Tibet nears 100 self-immolations

Tibet nears 100 self-immolations

In the video above, blogger Tsering Kyi, a journalist for Voice of America, speaks to The Stream about her nephew Tsering Tashi, the first Tibetan known to have self-immolated in 2013.

In January alone of this year, three Tibetans have set themselves on fire in an ongoing protest against the Chinese government. The recent wave of protest began in March 2009 and is nearing 100 self-immolations.

Tibet self-immolations set to pass 100 deaths

Blogger speaks out about her nephew's self-immolation.

According to activists, the self-immolations are a response to Chinese government policies that they say restrict Tibetans' religious and cultural identity. Students for a Free Tibet says those who have set themselves ablaze have called for Tibet's freedom and an end to the exile of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader. In response, the Chinese government has ramped up efforts to prevent such self-immolations, claiming they encourage social unrest.

Kyi also posted a video of her nephew's self-immolation on her Facebook page, with the note below. (Warning: graphic images)

My Nephew: The First self-immolator of 2013. I feel this is the most cruel thing that I have to see the video where my Nephew is facing death from burning, but I must to do this because it is my job.22-year-old Tserang Tashi passed away in his self-immolation protest on January 12 in Amchok town in Sangchu region of eastern Tibet.facebook.com

Critics of the Chinese government charge that Tibetans are restricted from traditional funeral rites for those who die by self-immolation. According to reports, security officials ordered Tashi's family to cremate their son immediately without rites.

China's increased efforts to limit self-immolations include orders to press murder charges against anyone who aids in self-immolation and tighter restrictions on foreign media.

Tibetans are NOT ALLOWED to listen to foreign media. All satellite dishes will be confiscated. http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=32815&article=China+plan+information+blackout+in+eastern+Tibet%2c+Burn+satellite+dishesSFTHQ